Technical problem delays LeBron James’ departure for China

Lebron James. CELEST FLORES/INQUIRER.net

MANILA—Basketball superstar LeBron James’ flight to China was delayed by over an hour Wednesday morning after his private jet developed a technical problem as it was preparing to take off from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It finally took off for Guangzhou at 10:15 a.m.

Citing technical problems, the pilot of the Gulfstream V aircraft carrying James and his entourage radioed the control tower around 9 a.m. that the plane was turning back to the Ages Aviation Center Inc. hangar at the Balabag area of the NAIA complex, according to a report to the Manila International Airport Authority, operator of NAIA.

At that time, the aircraft was already taxiing on Runway 06-24 and preparing for takeoff.

Upon returning to the hangar, the plane was immediately checked by Ages maintenance crew.

Staff at the Ages hangar declined to comment on the nature of the glitch, citing “client privacy” and the “VVIP” (Very, Very Important Person) status accorded by the company to LeBron and his entourage.

Mediamen were also barred from going to the hangar, reportedly upon the request of the organizers of LeBron’s Manila visit.

Gulfstream V aircraft, described as business jets, are manufactured by the Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. based in Savannah, Georgia. The jet has a capacity of up to 23 people, including pilot and crew.